[Consensus conference. The management of asthma in children].
At this international consensus conference, a number of conclusions concerning the diagnosis and management of childhood asthma were reached. The following practical definition was given to asthma: intermittent wheezing and/or cough in a clinical situation where asthma is likely and less common diseases have been outruled. A thorough clinical history is essential to the diagnosis of asthma. Additional tests are used only to confirm the clinical impression and to provide objective evidence supporting therapeutic recommendations. Multidisciplinary management includes an evaluation of psychosocial factors and patient information. Drugs should be selected according to the severity of the condition: beta-2-agonists for intermittent mild wheezing; cromolyn sodium for moderate to severe asthma; xanthines, ipratropium bromide, and oral corticosteroids in more persistent and severe forms. The child and parents should be told that a normal, physically active life is quite possible if the disease is correctly controlled. The reward for correct management of asthma is resumption, in nearly every case, of a normal life including active participation in sports.
Paupe
J
J
Département de Pédiatrie, Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades, Paris.
Scheinmann
P
P
D000293:Adolescent; D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008131:London
Conférence de consensus. Prise en charge de l'asthme de l'enfant.